Granola-ing

                                                                 Week 36 ( Save $36 )
                                                          Week 40 ( Save $40 )


I was never a big fan of cold breakfast cereal's as a child nor do I try to eat it today. Yes, I know, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day".  I have been having alternative hearty choices outside of the cereal box.  Whether it be left overs, home made soups, fresh fruits or old fashion oatmeal.

Over the years, I have discovered my all time favorite oatmeal,  taken to a alltime new level...revamped into granola. Now I cannot get enough of it because the combinations of homemade granola are endless. Who can ever be bored!

Every combination is delicious and so fresh. Super easy to make and cost less than store bought granola.  Eat it by the handful, with milk, or on desserts.

 Get granola creative by combining your oats, nuts, seeds and dry fruits, chocolate optional.  There are so many variety of nuts such as cashew, peanuts, almonds, pistachio's, just to list a few.  My favorite seed combinations are pumpkin and honey roasted sunflower seeds. The perfect balance of sweet, salty and crunch! 

The next question will be should I add dried cranberries, raisons, dried apples, blueberries, dates, apricots or cherries ...decisions, decisions.



Here is a basic recipe but add your twist by combining your favorites with less or more:

Combine in a large bowl :
2 cups of oats, 1/2 cup of nuts, 1/3 cup of seeds, 1/2 cup of dried fruit, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon,  1 tsp of vanilla extract. dash of salt, 4 Tbsp coconut oil (optional) , 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey. 

Mix well and pour into parchment lined pan. 
 
Bake at 300 F for 30 minutes and stir every 10 minutes.  Cool completely and store in either big chunks or break down into smaller pieces into air tight container at room temperature for two weeks.

                                Keep Calm and Keep Granola-ing!